Neila Moore set up Parent Aid West Auckland to help families. Photo / Brett Phibbs
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Neila Moore once lost flesh from her hands in caring for children, but says she is only truly happy when helping vulnerable kids.
The 82-year-old works with at-risk children in West Auckland, and has just stood down from running a shelter for young people living in the city for the
first time.
She has faced some fiery children, often newly arrived migrants who struggle to adjust. She was once screamed at and attacked by a boy who bit chunks out of her hands.
"He was okay," she said. "After a quick trip to the doctor I managed to prepare him for schooling, and life in the country."
In the early years of her marriage she lived in Lagos, Nigeria. While her husband, Allen, was busy operating a printing press, she worked freely among the community and set up a home for orphans and needy children.
"She is a people person," said Allen. "She is an amazing, giving person ... that's what makes her tick."
When she returned to New Zealand, living in West Auckland, she was disturbed by the recurrence of child abuse in her community.
"There were constant reports on TV, from government circles ... of at-risk families who social services could not support.
"There were scores of families at risk - accidents waiting to happen - I thought some of these parents would do well with some friends. Someone who would never be shocked ... someone to get alongside them and help them in practical ways."
After forming another shelter for vulnerable children in Avondale, she established Parent Aid West Auckland in 2003. Modelled on Parent Aid in Waitakere, the organisation supports parents and aims to "prevent tragedies from happening in the home".
She has maintained an open home throughout her life, and engaged with people of all cultures. Even with a shelter next door, she hosts newcomers to Auckland in her own home. Every Friday evening, she picks up bread from bakeries in the area and distributes it around her neighbourhood.
"She is not at all comfortable unless she has something in her mind to be doing for someone," says Allen. She thinks about it at night, wakes up in the morning and does it."
